In the seemingly never-ending fight to save money on energy bills, homeowners often look to their heating and air conditioning for answers, without giving much thought to how efficiently they use hot water. As the second largest expense on an average monthly energy bill according to ENERGY STAR®, it’s important to take these steps to become more conscientious about your hot water usage in order to save yourself some money.

Change your behavior

The most inexpensive way to cut your hot water costs is to make changes to your daily routine, like turning off the water when you’re scrubbing dishes, brushing your teeth or washing your hair in the shower. Wash your clothes in cold water when possible, and take quick showers rather than baths. The average bath uses 35 to 50 gallons of water, whereas a 10-minute shower with a low-flow showerhead only uses 25 gallons.

Fix leaks

You can significantly reduce hot water use by simply repairing leaks in fixtures — faucets and showerheads — or pipes. A leak of one drip per second can potentially cost as much as $1 per month.

Insulate hot water pipes

Exposed hot water pipes can potentially cause your hot water to arrive 2 to 4 degrees cooler at the faucet. Insulate those pipes and you will not need to wait as much time for the water to heat up. This is really a small investment and an easy DIY job that will save you water, money, and energy.

Install low-flow fixtures

Did you know that up to 25% of your home’s water could potentially be lost through showering? In order to maximize hot water efficiency, look for a low-flow shower head, which uses less water than a standard model.

According to Canadian government standards, no showerhead can have a water flow rate greater than 9 liters per minute at a standardized pressure of 80psi. Low-flow showerheads use even less than that, which translates to lower energy costs to the consumer.

There are two basic types of low-flow showerheads: aerating and laminar-flow. Aerating showerheads mix air with water, forming a misty spray. Laminar-flow showerheads form individual streams of water.

Switch to a tankless water heater

Instead of constantly heating and reheating water, tankless water heaters only heat water when you need it. They may be up to 24% to 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters, and they offer additional benefits like increased comfort, more space and environmental sustainability.

Thanks to everyone for participating in our daily challenges and we wish you all the best of luck as our Grand Prize draw approaches. If you haven’t entered, click here now for your chance at a $500.00 3V VISA voucher.

With the relentless rise of electricity prices showing no end in sight, many homeowners are becoming increasingly conscientious about their energy use. Identifying the “energy hogs” in your home is the first step, so use this guide as you set out to save money this summer!

Light that isn’t right

One of the biggest wasters of energy in the average home is old, incandescent light bulbs. Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL) bulbs are four times more efficient (using 50 to 80 percent less energy), and last up to 10 times longer than a typical incandescent, which is significant because lighting accounts for around 12% of the average energy bill, according to ENERGY STAR®. By simply replacing five of your standard incandescent light bulbs with CFL bulbs, you could potentially save $70 a year. Installing motion sensors or timers on outdoor lights, instead of leaving the lights on during nighttime hours, can also help to reduce the electricity bill.

Appalling appliances

Your refrigerator, followed by your washer and dryer, are likely the largest sources of energy consumption in your home. If your refrigerator is more than 10 years old, chances are that it doesn’t adhere to the newer federal regulations that have mandated energy ratings and efficiency improvements for all refrigerators. New high-efficiency refrigerators exceed the federal energy requirements and can save consumers a substantial amount of money.

Older washers and dryers – especially top loading models – generally use much more electricity and water than newer front loading models. When the time comes, purchase front loading models that use less water, less detergent, and less energy.

When buying or replacing your appliances, choose ENERGY STAR®-rated models that are typically in the top 15 to 30 percent of their class. The up-front cost is usually higher, but the payback over time could be well worth it.

Wimpy windows and window treatments

Many older homes have single-pane glass windows, which offer poor insulation and can potentially cause a significant waste of energy. Double-pane windows with high performance glass perform better and can help to reduce the amount of heat loss from your home in the winter and heat gain is the summer.

Having inadequate window coverings – or none at all – can also be a potential waste of energy. Custom-made window treatments, including honeycomb shades, shutters, mini-blinds, solar screening, curtains and woven wood, can insulate your home year round, and provide you with the opportunity to control light and temperature throughout the day.

Standby power

Standby power, which is also known as “phantom loads” or “vampire loads”, is energy that is wasted keeping some home appliances and electronics ready to turn on in an instant. You can eliminate lost power by identifying which appliances and electronics are using power when in the off positions, and putting them on a power strip with an off button. To make things even easier, you can purchase a “smart power strip”, which work to reduce your power usage by automatically shutting down power to products that go into standby mode.

Traditional thermostats

For many homeowners, heating and cooling make up the largest portion of their monthly energy bill. Traditional thermostats can be a source of wasted energy, causing your HVAC system to work hard when it doesn’t necessarily have to. Install a programmable thermostat to set your heating and cooling equipment to automatically turn on or off to match your schedule and create a comfortable and energy-efficient living environment. When installed and used correctly, a programmable thermostat could potentially save you over $100 per year on your bill, according to ENERGY STAR®.

]]>http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/24/top-5-sources-of-energy-waste-in-your-home/feed/0Reliance Eco Summer Challenge – Daily Draw #6http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/23/reliance-eco-summer-challenge-daily-draw-6/
http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/23/reliance-eco-summer-challenge-daily-draw-6/#commentsThu, 23 Jul 2015 23:45:41 +0000http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/?p=9747Welcome back everyone! The Reliance Eco Summer Challenge is in full swing and this month our goal is to share ways to save energy, money and be environmentally conscious in the process. If you haven’t been to our facebook page, be sure to do so and when you do, make sure you enter for your chance at our $500 3V VISA Grand Prize – just click on the Eco Summer Challenge link. The big draw is August 1st and we’ll also be giving away 3V Visa Prepaid Vouchers as part of our daily challenges between now and July 24th. Click here for complete Contest Rules & Regulations. And now….today’s winner in the Eco Summer Challenge is William Stewart. Congratulations! You’ve won a $30.00 VISA Prepaid Voucher! Please contact me at rmassingham@reliancecomfort.com to claim your prize. To qualify for our final daily draw, we want to know – What is the best tip you’ve been given to live a more sustainable lifestyle? Share now and as always, please share, like or tweet this post. Good luck!
]]>http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/23/reliance-eco-summer-challenge-daily-draw-6/feed/0Reliance Eco Summer Challenge – Daily Draw #5http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/22/reliance-eco-summer-challenge-daily-draw-5/
http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/22/reliance-eco-summer-challenge-daily-draw-5/#commentsWed, 22 Jul 2015 23:45:03 +0000http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/?p=9720Welcome back everyone! The Reliance Eco Summer Challenge is in full swing and this month our goal is to share ways to save energy, money and be environmentally conscious in the process. If you haven’t been to our facebook page, be sure to do so and when you do, make sure you enter for your chance at our $500 3V VISA Grand Prize – just click on the Eco Summer Challenge link. The big draw is August 1st and we’ll also be giving away 3V Visa Prepaid Vouchers as part of our daily challenges between now and July 24th. Click here for complete Contest Rules & Regulations.

To qualify for tomorrow’s draw, we want to know – What is the best investment you’ve made to go green and save energy in the process? Share now and as always, please share, like or tweet this post. Good luck!

]]>http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/22/reliance-eco-summer-challenge-daily-draw-5/feed/0Reliance Eco Summer Challenge – Daily Draw #4http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/21/reliance-eco-summer-challenge-daily-draw-4-2/
http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/21/reliance-eco-summer-challenge-daily-draw-4-2/#commentsTue, 21 Jul 2015 23:45:57 +0000http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/?p=9717Welcome back everyone! The Reliance Eco Summer Challenge is in full swing and this month our goal is to share ways to save energy, money and be environmentally conscious in the process. If you haven’t been to our facebook page, be sure to do so and when you do, make sure you enter for your chance at our $500 3V VISA Grand Prize – just click on the Eco Summer Challenge link. The big draw is August 1st and we’ll also be giving away 3V Visa Prepaid Vouchers as part of our daily challenges between now and July 24th. Click here for complete Contest Rules & Regulations. And now….today’s winner in the Eco Summer Challenge is Elizabeth Rogers. Congratulations! You’ve won a $30.00 VISA Prepaid Voucher!

Please contact me at rmassingham@reliancecomfort.com to claim your prize. To qualify for tomorrow’s draw, we want to know – How are you reducing your carbon footprint when it comes to personal travel? Share now and as always, please share, like or tweet this post. Good luck!

Are you feeling the heat and you don’t have a working air conditioner? While living through the summer without air conditioning seems impossible it can be done. Try these simple tips to help you stay comfortable and cool when your AC cannot:

Avoid using appliances that give off heat like the oven, dishwasher, computer and dryer until later in the day when it’s cooler outside.

Don’t load your fridge and freezer with food and drinks, both appliances produce a lot of heat.

Move to the lowest level of your home, as hot air rises.

Close drapes and blinds of your home; use white drapes, dark drapes heat up easily.

Close windows during the day to keep hot air outside and open them at night.

]]>http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/21/home-comfort-tip-how-to-survive-the-summer-heat-without-an-air-conditioner/feed/24Reliance Eco Summer Challenge – Daily Draw #3http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/20/reliance-eco-summer-challenge-daily-draw-3-2/
http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/20/reliance-eco-summer-challenge-daily-draw-3-2/#commentsMon, 20 Jul 2015 23:45:17 +0000http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/?p=9710Welcome back everyone! The Reliance Eco Summer Challenge is in full swing and this month our goal is to share ways to save energy, money and be environmentally conscious in the process. If you haven’t been to our facebook page, be sure to do so and when you do, make sure you enter for your chance at our $500 3V VISA Grand Prize – just click on the Eco Summer Challenge link. The big draw is August 1st and we’ll also be giving away 3V Visa Prepaid Vouchers as part of our daily challenges between now and July 24th. Click here for complete Contest Rules & Regulations. And now….today’s winner in the Eco Summer Challenge is Sybylla Thom. Congratulations! You’ve won a $30.00 VISA Prepaid Voucher! Please contact me at rmassingham@reliancecomfort.com to claim your prize. To qualify for tomorrow’s draw, we want to know – What energy saving home improvement projects are on your to-do list ? Share yours now and as always, please share, like or tweet this post. Good luck!
]]>http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/20/reliance-eco-summer-challenge-daily-draw-3-2/feed/0Top 4 Things to Consider Before Buying a Central Air Conditionerhttp://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/20/top-4-things-to-consider-before-buying-a-central-air-conditioner/
http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/20/top-4-things-to-consider-before-buying-a-central-air-conditioner/#commentsMon, 20 Jul 2015 12:15:52 +0000http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/?p=9694

Air conditioning systems come in all different sizes and styles – but none have the power to cool your entire home quite like a central air conditioner. When installed properly, a central air conditioning system will keep your family cool during the summer months and improve the overall air quality of your home. Investments like these, however, require pre-purchase research and a commitment to maintenance in the long-run.

Here are 4 things to consider before buying a central air conditioner for your home:

Energy efficiency rating

When choosing an air conditioner, it’s important to look at the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This is the measure of any cooling system’s efficiency over the course of a season of use. An ENERGY STAR® certified air conditioner will typically be at or near the top of its class, needing a minimum SEER of 14.5 or higher to meet the necessary qualifications. In contrast, older units can have SEER ratings of 6 or less.

Installation

A reputable contractor is an important part of your investment. As with any major service, ask friends for referrals and get firm quotes from other contractors. Your contractor should be able to calculate the cooling load for the house, provide you with information on the unit and its SEER rating, answer any questions you have about the warranty, and offer a service contract on the equipment.

Size

For the best results when choosing a central air conditioner, your contractor should do a load calculation, which determines the amount of cooling your system must provide to offer sufficient comfort. The load calculation will figure in the size of the home, the window square footage, the insulation levels and several other factors. If you install an air conditioner that is too large, it will cycle on and off too often, substantially reducing the efficiency of the system. A system that is too large also loses the ability to dehumidify, which will make your home feel hotter and less comfortable. Too small, and your air conditioner may not be able to meet the demands of a hot, humid day.

Sound

Comfort at home is something you should feel – not hear. The best air conditioning units should operate quietly enough that you don’t even hear them turn on. Sound rating of air conditioners is expressed in bels. The lower the sound rating, the lower the sound emitted by the outdoor unit.

]]>http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/20/top-4-things-to-consider-before-buying-a-central-air-conditioner/feed/0Reliance Eco Summer Challenge – Daily Draw #2http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/17/reliance-eco-summer-challenge-daily-draw-2-2/
http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/07/17/reliance-eco-summer-challenge-daily-draw-2-2/#commentsFri, 17 Jul 2015 23:45:45 +0000http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/?p=9687Welcome back everyone! We have officially kicked off the Reliance Eco Summer Challenge and this month our goal is to share ways to save energy, money and be environmentally conscious in the process. If you haven’t been to our facebook page, be sure to do so and when you do, make sure you enter for your chance at our $500 3V VISA Grand Prize – just click on the Eco Summer Challenge link. The big draw is August 1st and we’ll also be giving away 3V Visa Prepaid Vouchers as part of our daily challenges between now and July 24th. Click here for complete Contest Rules & Regulations. And now….today’s winner in the Eco Summer Challenge is Sean McKnight. Congratulations! You’ve won a $30.00 VISA Prepaid Voucher! Please contact me at rmassingham@reliancecomfort.com to claim your prize. To qualify for Monday’s draw, we want to know – What sustainable choices do you make when grocery shopping? Share your tips now and as always, please share, like or tweet this post. Good luck!
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